Oscar Peterson: Plays The Cole Porter Songbook (14 Bonus Tracks)

As with so many artists, Peterson's reputation was tarnished by the very things he most admired. For wasn't there more than a touch of Chopin in him too, and doesn't that come through very clearly in this fine collection of Cole Porter tunes. Like Ella Fitzgerald, Cole Porter seems to be the ideal source for Peterson, an incomparable alliance of verbal and musical dexterity that requires the improviser to find musical equivalents for the glittering rhymes. Peterson's rhythmic gifts and legendary flair are exquisite features of these performances. Most remarkable, however, is the irresistible swing of this group, whose infectious energy breathes new life into familiar songs. The chemistry of this trio gives the impression that there is only one mind behind the sounds. This is a benchmark album.